What it Means to be a “Swiftie”
We all just want to feel a part of something, included and a little bit special.
For the last couple of weeks, the entire country, whether you like it or not, has been captivated by Taylor Swift. To be a “Swiftie” is to be a part of a community of people who relate to Taylor’s music and feel connected to the superstar and, therefore, glued to each other. When you ask a Swiftie why they love her (yep, it’s love), they say, “She is authentic”, “relatable”, and “she gets me”. We have to say, having just experienced her concert, we now understand.
You see, while the concert itself is incredible and the production amazing, it’s the way each and every one of the thousands of Swifties, along with the Swiftie Mums, Dads and those just along for a good show, are all part of the atmosphere, culture and even the concert itself. From the constant outfit complimenting and swapping of friendship bracelets to the light-up bands everyone has (these light up to the songs during the concert and give a sense that you are not just now a part of the show but perhaps the heartbeat), everyone that attends feels included amongst the feel-good energy in the stadium. Taylor herself remains quirky and down to earth, stopping each night to look out and sit in awe and thank all who came to see her and her team. Her mediocre dancing helps even the most uncoordinated feel free to let go and move to the beat.
We can’t help but wonder... how can we capture that sense of belonging as we worship in our weekly church services?
As the people of God, what is it people feel when they walk through our doors and sit in their seats? When they encounter God’s people? It seems clear that people want to feel connected, welcomed and part of a community; what we have to offer, the love of God and the saving message of Jesus is the only thing that will ever truly meet the yearnings of this world. We must seek to create a culture where we aren’t merely spectators at a show but deeply committed to the worship of the King as we stand alongside each other in the family of believers.
By Sarah Doughton and Linda Thomson